If you brush your teeth on a daily basis, at least twice a day, you’re doing a good thing for your oral health. However, if all you do is brush your teeth, that’s not enough. You need to also floss after every brushing and then rinse with mouthwash.
However, the techniques you use in brushing your teeth, as well is a toothbrush, are going to have a direct impact on your overall oral health.
1. Select the right toothbrush.
Many people incorrectly assume that a hard bristled toothbrush is the right thing to use in order to get their teeth is clean as possible. In reality, those hard bristles are damaging and wearing down the enamel, which is the protective layer over your teeth. When the enamel is damaged and lost, it increases the chances of getting cavities and having other damage done to your teeth.
Choose a soft to medium bristled toothbrush and one that is comfortable for you to use.
You may also want to consider a small head toothbrush as this is easier to get into hard-to-reach places.
2. Use the right type of toothpaste.
There are many different types of toothpaste on the market today. Teeth whitening toothpastes can actually cause more damage to your teeth than you’d expect. Try to focus on a good, quality toothpaste that focuses on fighting gingivitis or tartar. While these won’t actually eliminate the need for you to visit a dentist, the right toothpaste can help improve your overall oral health.
3. Proper brushing techniques.
You should tilt the toothbrush at a 45° angle against your gum line. Then sweep and roll the brush away from your gum line. You’ll also want to gently brush the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. You do this by using short back and forth strokes.
Once you’re done brushing your teeth for at least 30 seconds for every quarter of your mouth (2 minutes total), be sure to brush your tongue. That will help to improve your fresh breath.